Massey University Press appoints first publisher

Former Random House New Zealand publisher Nicola Legat has been appointed as the first publisher of Massey University Press, following the press’ launch in February 2015.

Legat, also a former editor of culture magazine Metro, said she was ‘excited’ by the publisher’s potential and felt it was a ‘rare opportunity’ to join a new publishing venture.

Chair of the editorial board Glyn Harper said the press was ‘extremely fortunate’ to appoint Legat. ‘With Nicola we are in excellent hands as she knows the book publishing industry in New Zealand and is well aware of the challenges it faces.’

Harper added that Legat’s appointment was a signal that Massey University Press ‘is a serious venture and will be a force in New Zealand book publishing’.

In an announcement earlier this year, university vice-chancellor Steve Maharey said the press will start by publishing ‘a small number of very well chosen books that profile what the university stands for’, with three titles planned for its first year in 2016, expanding to 13 titles in its fifth year.

Publications will not be exclusive to works by the university’s own researchers, and will cover areas such as food research, creative arts, Māori Studies, military, international studies and more. Legat said the titles will ‘reflect the press’ core principles—explore, explain, engage—and contribute new voices, ideas and perspectives that will shape New Zealand cultural life.’